Touting his tireless work in the community, McMinnville's Noon Exchange Club honored Neal Cox with its annual Humanitarian of the Year Award.
“I don’t do what I do for rewards,” said Cox. “I do it to help others."
Cox was cited for his work with the Horsing Around initiative which, Cox noted, is therapeutic for both children and adults. Horsing Around holds events every year, inviting those with special needs to participate. Some of the events are held at his farm in Viola.
“You can see eyes light up,” Cox explained. “The first time they ride, they want to get off right away but that second time, they want to stay on as long as they can.”
Cox was also noted for his assistance in the Special Games where people with special needs meet in an Olympic-style atmosphere to compete in athletic events.
In addition to his work with people with special needs, Cox is also hailed as one of the forces behind the river clean up initiative that beautifies area waterways.
Said Exchange Club district president-elect Ashley Wright, “For those of you who don’t know – this guy is one of those leaders in our community who has done a little bit of everything, from his day job with McMinnville Electric where he serves as assistant manager, to his work with Rotary International."
The Humanitarian Award is given each year to recognize a person who might not otherwise be cited for their work in the community.